Is your parenting stress spilling over into your child's life? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, Mark Gerson, author of God Was Right, shares how biblical wisdom—paired with modern psychology—can radically shift the way we understand independence, fear, and success in parenting.

We cover:

The connection between parental stress and children's anxiety

How ancient stories like Isaac’s birth and Joseph’s rise can transform your parenting style

The myth of “stranger danger” and how it fuels fear-based parenting

Why celebrating your child's independence can relieve your stress

How trusting God’s plan reduces anxiety and promotes joyful parenting

Mark helps us reframe stress, fear, and control through a lens of faith, confidence, and wisdom—so we can raise kids who thrive, not just survive.

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Our Guest:

Mark Gerson is a graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School, and the author of several books on intellectual history, education, and biblical wisdom, including God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, Commentary, and USA Today, covering topics from Frank Sinatra to the story of Jonah. He lives in New York City with his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, and their four children.

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In this special Father’s Day episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Rob Finlay, author of Hey Dad, Everything You Should Have Learned About Life but Didn’t. They dive into how parents—especially dads—can raise kids who are prepared for real-world responsibilities.

In this episode:

The life skills every teen needs before leaving home

Why failure builds independence and confidence

Communication, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life

The crucial role fathers play in raising self-sufficient kids

Timestamps:

00:00 – Father’s Day message

Resources:

About Our Guest

Rob Finlay is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, entrepreneur, speaker, and father of four. He has built and sold multiple companies, with deep experience in commercial real estate, finance, and leadership. His latest book, Hey Dad: Everything You Should’ve Learned About Life (But Didn’t) (released April 29, 2025), offers practical life-skills guidance for young adults—covering topics like budgeting, job hunting, home maintenance, and communication—with real-world insights and expert interviews. You can learn more about Rob, his work, and his books at his official website: robfinlay.com

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What happens when a high-achieving, all-American girl is silently battling depression? In this powerful episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Allie Marie Smith, life coach, speaker, and author of Social Media Reset, to explore how the pressure to be perfect—and the influence of social media—nearly led her to end her life.

Allie shares her story of growing up in Silicon Valley, struggling with hidden sadness from a young age, and reaching a breaking point as a teen. She opens up about the moment that changed everything near the Golden Gate Bridge, her journey back to mental health through faith, and how stepping away from social media helped her reclaim her joy.

As summer begins and screen time skyrockets, this episode offers an honest and hopeful conversation about the emotional impact of social media on kids and teens—and how families can move toward healing, connection, and purpose.

In This Episode:

Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: ⁠meekerparenting.com⁠

Allie Marie Smith is the author of Social Media Reset: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Unplug, Reconnect with God, and Reclaim Your Joy and founder of Wonderfully Made, a faith-based nonprofit equipping girls and women with resources for mental health, identity, and purpose. Her mission is to help young people break free from the pressure of perfection and discover their God-given worth.

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Do you feel like you're falling short as a parent? Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and parenting expert, sits down with child and family therapist Craig Knippenberg to unpack why “good enough” is more than enough in today’s complex parenting landscape.

You’ll hear:

Why perfectionism creates disconnection—and what to do instead

How to distinguish healthy guilt from harmful shame

The overlooked role of temperament and trauma in parenting struggles

Tools for single parents, and why support networks matter more than ever

The healing power of small, intentional family rituals

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Episode Breakdown:

About Craig Knippenberg

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WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts.

KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/DRMEG

Børn Shoes – Crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com – comfort never looked so good.

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What happens when a parent, once strong and accomplished, finds themselves trapped in addiction? In this compelling episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Nick Padlo, founder of Sophros Recovery in Tampa. A former combat veteran and addiction survivor, Nick shares how his journey through military service and personal struggle led him to create a treatment center focused on holistic healing for individuals facing both substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.

Together, they explore:

Why traditional recovery approaches sometimes fall short

How mindfulness and comprehensive care can change lives

What busy parents need to know about recognizing addiction

How recovery is possible—even while navigating the pressures of parenting

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The emotional toll of addiction on parents and families

The neuroscience behind substance use and mental health

Why community, structure, and internal healing are key to lasting sobriety

Practical steps for seeking help and beginning the recovery journey

Nick Padlo is the founder of Sophros Recovery, a Tampa-based treatment center offering holistic care for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. A former U.S. Army combat veteran and successful executive, Nick’s personal recovery story shaped his mission to help others find sustainable healing. His work emphasizes mindfulness, evidence-based therapies, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of veterans and high-performing individuals seeking recovery.

Sophros Recovery → https://sophrosrecoverytampa.com

Join our new parenting community for free and explore coaching options with Dr. Meg Meeker → meekerparenting.com

00:40 – Meet Nick Padlo: From military leadership to recovery advocate 01:53 – Nick’s personal journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery 05:40 – Alcohol and emotional suppression: Understanding the trap 08:26 – The neuroscience of addiction and the mind-body connection 10:20 – Self-care as a foundation for recovery

14:07 – Identifying the signs of substance use in parents

15:35 – Overcoming stigma and asking for help

18:05 – Understanding the stages of change in recovery

18:32 – Motivation, mindfulness, and internal transformation

19:58 – Alcohol’s ripple effects on families and children

20:39 – Effective recovery tools: Meditation, therapy, and support

26:00 – The power of community and connection in healing

28:23 – Navigating daily life while maintaining sobriety

33:38 – Nick’s reflections and hope for parents in recovery

36:28 – Final thoughts from Dr. Meg and Nick Padlo

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Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty trying to be the “perfect” parent? In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Israa Nasir, licensed psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, to unpack how the pressure to always “do more” is impacting parents and their children.

Israa shares how toxic productivity is driven by perfectionism, fear of inadequacy, and cultural expectations—and how it leads to chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and strained family dynamics. Together, she and Dr. Meg explore practical ways to break the cycle of overfunctioning and reclaim peace and presence at home.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What toxic productivity looks like in real-life parenting

How fear and societal expectations fuel burnout

The long-term emotional effects on both parents and kids

How to set flexible boundaries and prioritize well-being

Simple tools like micro-breaks, reprioritization, and self-worth reframing

Empowering advice for single moms carrying it all

About Israa Nasir

Israa Nasir is a NYC-based psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health educator. She helps high-achieving individuals overcome perfectionism, burnout, and emotional dysregulation. Her new book Toxic Productivity is a compassionate guide to reclaiming mental space and joy in a hustle-obsessed culture.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to Toxic Productivity
00:50 – What is Toxic Productivity?
02:05 – How It Impacts Parents and Children
04:31 – Parenting Rooted in Fear
08:40 – Breaking the Cycle of Overachieving
12:07 – Reprioritizing and Setting Boundaries
26:26 – Separating Self-Worth from Productivity
32:16 – Advice for Single Moms Navigating Overload
36:34 – Final Reflections and Empowering Takeaways

Toxic Productivity by Israa Nasir → Toxic Productivity — Israa Nasir

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What does it mean to parent when the world isn't built for you? Jessica Slice, author of Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World, joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share her powerful story of raising a child with a disability. Jessica discusses the myths around "perfect parenting," the societal barriers disabled parents face, and how true connection matters far more than physical perfection.

In this episode, we discuss:

Jessica’s journey to disability – and motherhood – and how she reclaimed her narrative.

The unique challenges and joys of parenting with a disability.

The critical role of community support and adaptive problem-solving.

How unrealistic societal standards impact all parents, not just disabled ones.

The importance of teaching children about disability with honesty and compassion.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction: The unique challenges of parenting 00:21 – Meet Jessica Slice: Advocate, author, and mother 01:34 – Jessica's personal journey into disability and motherhood 03:12 – Parenting with a disability: Challenges and strengths 04:31 – Adopting and raising a newborn as a disabled parent 08:34 – How community and creative problem-solving make parenting possible 16:08 – Facing (and fighting) accessibility barriers in everyday life 24:04 – Why community support matters more than perfection 26:25 – Teaching kids empathy and understanding about disability 28:51 – Final reflections and words of encouragement

Jessica Slice is a disabled author, speaker, and essayist whose upcoming memoir Unfit Parent has been shortlisted for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize. She’s the co-author of several books, including Dateable and We Belong (with the late Judy Heumann), and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Glamour, and more. A sought-after podcast guest, Jessica holds degrees from Davidson College and Columbia University and lives in Toronto with her family.

 Resources & Links:  Learn more about Jessica Slice’s book Unfit Parent → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Slice/author/B0D96Q4KB5 

Work with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com/

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What’s the real key to college admissions success? It might not be what you think. In this empowering episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Pamela Ellis, also known as The Education Doctor. With experience guiding over 30,000 families and helping students earn an average of $75,000 in scholarships, Dr. Ellis shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you're just beginning to think about college or already knee-deep in applications, this episode offers actionable strategies and deep wisdom to help you and your child navigate the college admissions process with purpose and peace of mind.

00:00 – Introduction: Why college admissions is stressful for families

00:21 – Meet Dr. Pamela Ellis: The Education Doctor’s approach to college planning

01:34 – Common myths about admissions and scholarships

04:22 – How to find the “right college fit” for your teen

11:13 – The role of parents: guiding without controlling

17:19 – Helping teens take ownership of the process

22:01 – Gratitude practices and their impact on students

26:06 – When college isn’t the obvious next step

28:21 – Building confidence through applications

34:16 – Supportive parenting strategies that work

38:55 – Final thoughts and next steps for families

Dr. Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D., is the founder of Compass Education Strategies and author of What to Know Before They Go. Known nationally as The Education Doctor, she helps families navigate college admissions with a focus on holistic student success—academically, socially, financially, vocationally, and culturally.

Learn more about Dr. Pamela Ellis and her work → https://compasscollegeadvisory.com/

👉 Book a coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com

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What’s driving the surge in teen anxiety—and how can parents help kids take back control of their mental health?

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Jodi Aman, a seasoned psychotherapist, author, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience helping teens and families break free from the grip of anxiety. Together, they explore the real reasons behind today’s teen mental health crisis—from social media to dopamine addiction—and offer practical, compassionate solutions for parents.

You’ll learn:

Need expert help applying these strategies in your home?

Book a private coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker: https://meekerparenting.com/coaching/

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to the teen anxiety crisis

00:27 – Meet Dr. Jodi Aman and her work with teens and parents

01:00 – What’s causing anxiety to skyrocket in Gen Z

04:45 – How social media and dopamine shape the anxious brain

10:59 – Parental roles: validation, support, and what not to do

15:55 – Helping teens understand and manage anxiety

22:09 – The hidden effects of isolation and cultural pressure

28:08 – Tools for families: The Compass Curriculum and more

30:51 – When to seek professional help and signs to watch for

37:53 – Final encouragement and takeaways for parents

About Dr. Jodi Aman

Dr. Jodi Aman is a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the COMPASS Curriculum, a mental wellness program for teens. With nearly 30 years of experience, she’s worked with families in over 14 countries, focusing on anxiety, trauma, and emotional resilience. A graduate of Columbia University and Simmons University (DSW), Jodi blends neuroscience, Narrative Therapy, and global insight to help Gen Z understand themselves, build confidence, and navigate the pressures of modern life.

Resources & Links

Explore Dr. Jodi Aman’s work: https://jodiaman.com

Learn about the Compass Curriculum: https://jodiaman.com/compass

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Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend. Your support helps more parents discover tools to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids.

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What does it take to raise kids who think critically, challenge the status quo, and build real-world skills early in life?

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Connor Boyack, founder of the Libertas Institute and author of the bestselling Tuttle Twins book series. Connor shares how his work is helping families teach children about liberty, economics, and critical thinking—skills often left out of traditional education. Through engaging stories and hands-on learning experiences, he’s equipping the next generation to become thoughtful, self-reliant, and entrepreneurial.

You’ll learn:

👉 Need help applying these principles in your own home?

Book a private coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com/coaching/

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to today’s topic

01:10 – The inspiration behind The Tuttle Twins series

03:32 – Teaching liberty and economics through storytelling

09:44 – The case for passion-driven learning

16:14 – Encouraging entrepreneurship in kids

16:51 – What is the Children’s Entrepreneur Market?

21:49 – How families can get involved

23:05 – What kids learn by running their own businesses

24:59 – The push for educational freedom and parental rights

26:25 – Helping parents become confident advocates

27:24 – A reality check on the state of education today

30:35 – Alternatives to traditional schooling

37:12 – Tips for busy parents trying to do it all

41:23 – Final thoughts and resources

About Connor Boyack

Connor is president of the Libertas Institute, a public policy think tank, and author of the Tuttle Twins series, which has sold over 5 million copies. His work empowers families to teach essential principles of freedom, responsibility, and entrepreneurship in ways that are fun and easy to understand.

Resources & Links:

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. It helps other parents discover tools to raise confident, independent kids.

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